SETTING UP A SMART HOME

There are many properties for sale in Malaysia. The exciting part of having your own house is the renovation part where you get to build a house according to what you like or prefer. Having a smart home has recently become a trend, especially in the Western countries. Building a smart home today is not as intimidating or difficult as it initially seemed. This article will guide you through what you need to know about a smart home.

1. Lights

Smart lights can help you to lower your electricity bill ad smart lights are made with LEDs. LEDs are known to consume lesser electricity that the normal incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. In addition, smart light can be controlled through your smartphone. You can also set a schedule for when the lights turn on and turn off.

2. Speakers

Instead of taking your phone out to control the smart home devices, a smart speaker allows you to give commands to get it does what you instruct. Other then playing music for you, a smart speaker can tell you the current weather and latest news you need to know.

3. Smarts plugs

A smart switch or a smart plug is the cheapest and easiest way to make the appliance in your house "smart". For example, connect a lamp to a smart switch; plug the switch into the wall, and you will have control of the lamp from your smartphone. You are also able to set a schedule for the the plugs turn off and turn on. Moreover, you could link the plug to other available smart home devices at home.

4. Security cameras

A security camera allows you to keep an eye on your house to know who is coming or going. All these monitoring can be done through your smartphone, tablet or laptop. A better camera will have the night vision where it can be linked with your other smart home devices. That being said, the camera will then start to record after you leave your house and stop recording when you come home.

5. Smart lock

Other than giving you access to unlock and lock your door by using a smartphone, a smart lock allows you to give temporary access to others and see who has been using your door. You can also integrate your smart lock with other smart home devices to turn on the lights automatically whenever you unlock the smart lock when you come home during the night.

6. Smart home hubs

A smart home hub gives a uniform platform where you are in charge to control other smart home devices that could not communicates with one another. The smart home hub also allows you to automate many processes. For example, you can switch on the lights, the thermostat can charge temperature, the music starts playing, the window blinds lower and so on. Do remember that your smartphone can also do many things that a smart home hub can do.

7. Smart thermostats

A smart thermostats will allow you to set the temperature in the house by using your smartphone. In addition, when the smart thermostat is linked to other smart home devices, such as the lights and motion sensors, it will help you to save money by helping you to reduce the cooling and heating costs, as you will not be using any energy whenever you are not at home.

8. Light switches

Replacing the light bulbs with smart bulbs can be expensive if you have many light bulbs in your house. A cost effective solution to this can be installing a smart light switch at home. A smart light switch works like a normal switch, but it is controlled by your smartphone and is also connected to other smart home devices. Unlike other products stated above, installing a smart light switch requires you to hire a professional electrician with basic electrical knowledge for safety purpose.

9. Video doorbells

No more guessing who is outside your house when you have a video doorbell that sends you a live feed to your tablet or smartphone whenever someone pushes the button at your house front door. Its also acts as an intercom, which is helpful for those having trouble to get to the door quickly. A good security camera will help you to monitor the front door easily and effortlessly.

10. Robot vacuums

A robot vacuums will make vacuuming less of a chore. A robot vacuum can help you to cut down on the daily accumulation of your pet's hair and dust. Do not underestimate the power of a robot vacuum, as it can get to some places that you cannot, such as under the bed or under the dresser.

11. Universal remotes

A universal remote allows you to control all your entertainment devices, such as TV, cable box, stereo and so on with just one single device. The universal remote will also allow you to control other smart home devices such as the thermostat and lights. 

In conclusion, technology has definitely make life easier nowadays. Having a smart home is not as intimidating. Furthermore, building a smart home can be a really fun process.